This paper presents the concepts of a planning monitor as a basis for evaluating the effectiveness of plans and the planning process. The concepts of the planning monitor present a structure for preparing an urban or regional plan. There are two separate components of the planning monitor: (1) a set of rational planning procedures; and (2) a supporting information system. The paper argues that planning, in its present form, does not use information effectively. It is not that information is ignored but rather that planning has adapted to an environment where there is a lack of adequate information and has therefore developed procedures which allow it to function without information. It is even conceivable that these procedures may have evolved to the point where they not only do not require information but in fact cannot utilize the information even if it is provided. The discussion encompasses plan preparation and the information systems necessary to make a planning monitor work. A planning monitor would provide information that is needed for modification of a plan and for the evaluation of planning as an effective means of controlling development. When fully operational a planning monitor would introduce accountability into the planning process through the evaluation of plan implementation actions. This evaluation is based on a structure for relating goals and objectives to specific program and policy actions. Finally a planning process is proposed which encompasses monitoring and plan evaluation.

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Implementation of geographical information systems (GIS) involves a substantial commitment of resources by the sponsoring agency. Economic evaluationofthe proposedGIS is an importantstep in the implementation process. This article discusses the traditional benefit cost analysis and suggests alternative approaches which may prove usefulin situationswhere the benefit cost modelmay not be appropriate. A case study of an actual implementation of a GIS which illustrates the approaches discussed is also presented.

The change from manual production of cartographic documents to more automated systems requires significant changes in the approach of the production organization. Two of the most significant are the structuring of a master digital cartographic database for the organization (together with its proper administration) and the development and utilization of a Cartographic Design Workstation (CDWS). This article addresses the first of these topics and provides an example of such database design for an operational production cartography organization. KEY WORDS: digital cartographic database, database design INTRODUCTION A general transition is now underway in production cartography in which manual production of cartographic documents will be replaced by fully automated approaches. As in most other fields which have moved to computerbased operations, we will initially see a nearly direct translation of existing manual operations to the computer. As the experience, and level of sophistication of the profession increases, substantial changes will take place in the way in which we think about the nature of the production cartography process and, as a result, the manner in which we implement our activities in the computer environment will change substantially. This article is one of a series addressing some of the questions posed for production cartography by this transition.

Many American corporations fail to consider the legal perspective in strategy formulation: They exclude lawyers from the strategic planning team. By doing so, they cut themselves off from essential input in weighing alternatives and solving problems. Perhaps more important, they eliminate a valuable source of strategic ideas.